FUHSA, Miami University trains Doctors on cervical cancer surgery

By Mohammed Kaka

The Federal University of Heath Sciences Azare (FUHSA) has in collaboration with University of Miami, conducted a three-day train the trainers workshop for medical Doctors on cervical cancer surgery.

Presenting a paper, one of the resource persons, Professor Adamu Bojude, described cervical cancer as a significant public health challenge in Nigeria.

According to him, too many women are suffering and dying from cervical cancer which he noted is a preventable and treatable disease.

He said in 2018 the DG of World Health Organization (WHO) made a global call to action to eliminate cervical cancer and was adopted, adding that since then, there has been remarkable advances in the diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer.

Prof Bojude who however, pointed out that, much work remains to be done particularly in the provision of advance surgical management, said that the training program represent a critical step forward in building the capacity of healthcare professionals to deliver the highest quality care to women affected by cervical cancer.

“Central to our efforts in combating cervical cancer is the critical role the universities play in providing the manpower and expertise needed to eliminate this disease”, he said.

Professor Bojude observed that the universities are the hubs of knowledge and innovations, saying that they have a pivotal role to play in training the next generation of health care professionals who would lead the fight against cervical cancer in Nigeria.

He said that the government’s unwavering commitment to improving cancer care in Nigeria through funding cancer research and procurement of cancer treatment facilities has been instrumental in strengthening the capacity of healthcare professionals to combat the disease.

While welcoming the participants to the train the trainers workshop on advanced cervical cancer and the symposium on the role of professional bodies in community engagement for the prevention of cervical cancer, Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Heath Sciences Azare (FUHSA), Professor Bala Muhammad Audu said that the training was apt, particularly at this critical period when the World Health Organization WHO has developed programs for the elimination of cervical cancer.

He further said that the move does not come without challenges particularly for a country like Nigeria.

He stated that the strategy is aimed at ensuring that 90 percent of eligible women are vaccinated, 70 percent of those who are eligible are screened and 90 percent of those infected are adequately taken care of.

He said at the training workshop, they are concentrating on the last 90 percent as well as community engagement for the purpose of mobilization to access the first 90 and the 70.

“We have had an earlier training funded by the North East Development Commission, training for vaccination as well as training across all the local governments within the North East”, the vice Chancellor disclosed.